New Harris County Policy Decriminalizes Marijuana

The push to keep marijuana users out of jail received a huge victory in Houston and Harris County this week.

According to a story from The Houston Chronicle, a new policy set to begin March 1 will stop arrests, tickets or court appearances for misdemeanor marijuana offenders with less than 4 ounces if they agree to take a 4-hour drug education class. The new policy was announced by Harris County D.A. Kim Ogg.

According to Ogg, the county has spent over $25 million dollars a year locking up misdemeanor marijuana offenders causing a log jam in courts and in jails. The new policy will allow law enforcement agencies to focus more money and energy on more violent and serious crimes.